Nigel Lake, Executive Chair

I believe there is almost always a better way to do things, and love how complexity allows the quick-witted to unlock opportunities that others don't see or are too cautious to grasp. My book, The Long Term Starts Tomorrow, makes the case for long term perspective when dealing with a fast changing world.

I've lived and worked in most of the top thirty economies, and advised hundreds of major companies and governments on major M&A transactions, strategic transformations, large infrastructure projects and the application of big data analytics to boardroom decisions.

"When you build a fire, it isn't where you put the sticks that matters, it's where you put the holes."

Navigating change

My career has been built around the combination of systems thinking, conceptual frameworks, robust financial and statistical analysis, and clear strategic vision.

My core strength is navigation. I have an exceptional track record in reducing risks associated with transformational change, whether through organic repositioning, large scale M&A or major investments.

Original thinking

Throughout my career, I have been involved in the development of innovative methods for assessing value and risk, with a strong focus on long term outcomes.

The conceptual background to this thinking is laid out in my book The Long Term Starts Tomorrow, which argues that long term thinking is the only reliable way to create value in a short term world.

Global experience

I was born in Colombia, grew up in the Middle East and the UK, and have lived in London, Tokyo, Sydney and New York.

My experience covers all major industry sectors and encompasses hundreds of M&A transactions, infrastructure projects, strategy assignments and financings with a combined value of some $500 billion. The vast majority of these have created true value for my clients.

Examples of recent experience

Strategy

ACT (Education, USA)

Australia Post

Brookfield Multiplex

CH2 (Pharmaceuticals)

Foxtel (Cable TV, Australia)

​LJ Hooker (real estate)

Large services company (USA)

Mermaid Marine (logistics, SE Asia)

OZ Minerals (minerals, Australia)

RACQ (Motor club)

Rheem

Sunshine Sugar

Super Retail Group

​Transpacific Industries

Unilever

M&A and other transactions

Asset sales by Hunter Water, one of Australia's largest water companies

Jorgen Randers, Professor, BI Norwegian Business School

Flashpoint

Very few businesses can rely on incremental growth to ensure long-term success. The safety of the status quo has been consigned to history by technological innovation and the accelerating pace of change. In Flashpoint, my monthly column in CEO Magazine, I explore potential disruptions and inflexion points in major industries, and provide tools to help leaders guide and support their teams through this environment.